Introducing the next pattern…the Cambie Dress!

The Cambie Dress features a fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline. Choose from two different skirt options: a swishy gathered skirt, or a simple A-line that’s perfect for the office!

The built-in cap sleeves balance out wider hips and create a beautiful neckline to frame the face. Sweetheart necklines are often seen in strapless dresses, but I prefer a dress that’s going to stay in place! So I’ve created a flattering sweetheart neckline on a dress with straps and sleeves.

Plus with the built-in cap sleeve, you get the coverage of cap sleeves with the comfort of a sleeveless dress. Perfect for summer, when you want to stay cool without baring it all. (And likely, you’ll be able to wear your regular bra underneath, no strapless or special-strap bra required!)

Both skirts have pockets for practicality!

I wanted to create a dress pattern that works for the office as well as for weekends. It’s all about the fabric! This pattern works with a variety of fabrics, from cotton voile to wool blends. A navy wool blend says professional, while a red cotton dotted swiss is ready for fun. The softer the fabric, the better it will work for the gathered skirt. Fabrics with more body look better sewn up into the A-line skirt version. (I have more photos of this version coming up shortly!)

I also wanted to create a dress pattern for work that wasn’t based on a pencil-shaped skirt. An A-line skirt is more forgiving to us with wider hips and wider thighs, skimming over those areas and pointing up to the waistline. If you’re mostly sitting at a desk for work, a tight skirt can get uncomfortable by the end of the day! Why not choose a silhouette with a little more room? I feel better and more confident when my clothes hang nicely and I’m not readjusting my outfit constantly.

And if you know me, you know I love a full skirt! The full skirt has inseam pockets, shifted slightly to the front so they’re easier to reach.

Having two skirt options with one bodice is time-saving (if you plan to make both dresses) because you’ll only need to fit the bodice once!

Why Cambie? It’s named for a street in Vancouver that stretches from the south end of the city all the way to downtown. Check out historic Gastown at the north end, enjoy a weekend brunch in Yaletown, or relax with a picnic lunch in Queen Elizabeth Park. The Cambie Dress works for a variety of occasions!

Stay tuned for more on this exciting pattern release! I’ll be putting it up in the store shortly and let you know when it’s in stock. You’ll be able to see the envelope front and back, complete with fabric requirements and metric conversions. Patterns are expected to arrive by mid-May – so if you do get excited and place an order for the Cambie Dress, it will ship in a few weeks.

People on the mailing list are always the first to receive updates and to be alerted of pre-sales and deals. (Likely there will be a special offer coming up through the mailing list very soon… just saying!) Sign up today and stay in the loop.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

About Tasia

Hi, I'm Tasia, and I love to sew! I started this blog as a creative outlet, and now I design sewing patterns, write about sewing and work on Sewaholic Patterns full-time. I'll be writing about sewing projects, posting about new pattern designs, and sharing what it's like to run a sewing pattern company!

I just cannot wait for this pattern to come out. I’m a beginner in the sewing world but I’m coming into the home stretch on finishing my first dress and I can’t wait to start another. This dress is beautiful and I love both of the styles. PERFECT! Thanks for the beautiful pattern!

Thank you! I do have this pattern classified as intermediate because it’s lined, and has an invisible zipper. However, if you pick an easy fabric, and an easy lining like cotton voile or batiste, it will make it easier to sew. I’m so glad you like it!

I also hope to share a few tips on sewing this dress, on points that might cause difficulty, to help you guys get the best results!

Yes! Well, I will try to get some in my next post. Taking back-view photos is harder and they don’t always turn out so well, which is why I don’t have any!
You can see the back view illustration in the pattern store here:http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/product/1202-cambie-dress
And I’ll work on including some back photos soon!

I will absolutely be making both versions of this dress. I can’t even decide which one I love more! When yo u first announced that another pattern was in the works, I was really hopeing that it would be another dress – so I am very pleased with this release :)

Thank you! I know, it’s exciting when we like both versions equally. Usually even with my own patterns I have a personal favourite but I honestly like both versions just as much! Glad you’re excited about the pattern release and the fact that it’s a dress!

Ooh, I really like this pattern! The bodice is not something I’d normally pick out for myself, but I’m really drawn to it. The samples you’ve modeled for us are just darling! Can’t wait to be able to purchase it. :)

Thanks! So glad you like it and the samples too! I can’t wait to share some of the pattern tester’s versions of the dress. If you like mine, you’ll love all of the pretty dresses that the testers made!

It’ll be out soon! I wish I could make them appear faster for you to make in time for the wedding. I can say that if you pre-order, you’ll be certain to get your pattern order sooner than waiting until the pattern is in stock, because I can get all of the envelopes and labels ready in advance. That might not help with the mid-May event though – I am thrilled to hear you love the pattern!

Hi Claire! Not at this point, but I will be sure to share tutorials or tips that will be useful in the sewing of this dress. It’s fairly straightforward and many of the techniques we’ve covered here already: gathering, sewing the pockets, underlining if desired, hemming and adding lace if desired. But I’m always happy to promote a sew-along if someone else decides to lead one!

I can’t wait ’till the presale starts! I really, really want this pattern! I think I’ll make myself the one with the A-line skirt. I must admit, I’m a fan of all your patterns so far! Keep up the good work!

Thank you! With this dress, if you can get the bodice to fit, the skirt part is easy. You can take it in through the zipper, through the sideseams, by adjusting the darts – there are many places to adjust the fit to get it just so. (Or use a stretchy woven fabric so it’s more forgiving?) If we’re similar proportions (and you can always check the official size chart – http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/size-chart) it will be easier to fit. Fitting is like sewing – the more you practice, the easier it gets, and the more familiar you get with making adjustments to your clothing. Glad you like the new pattern!

I like it, and it looks good for a variety of figure types (well, IMHO) not just pear types. If I’m wrong, someone please tell me! LOL! I’m trying to get the hang of what styles look good on what figure types.

I think so, as well! I design for women with proportionally larger hips and thighs and smaller waists so the pattern will have larger hips and a smaller waist. But I agree, this design would look amazing on many different body types! It’s just that if you have narrower hips, you may have to do a little adjusting on the A-line skirt. (The full skirt will fit everyone, it’s extremely full!)
So glad you like it!

It’s beautiful! I just ordered four of your patterns a few months ago and made the Pendrell blouse this past weekend – it was so easy and quick to put together, and I love the way it turned out! So I’m so excited to see a such a lovely dress that will be easy to wear with a bra! I can’t wait to order it. :)

Oh yay! The Pendrell is easy and quick, I’m so glad you enjoyed making it! This dress is a little more involved because of the lining and zipper, but nothing super complicated. One of the comments I got on the Lonsdale dress was that it required a special bra, so I wanted to make a pattern this year that could be worn with a regular bra. Thrilled to hear you like the new dress!

OH YEAH, I was so excited when I saw this in my inbox! Normally when a pattern has two different versions, I can immediately pick out which one I like better… but I’m having a hard time choosing with this one, as they are both absolutely lovely! The sweetheart neckline with those little cap sleeves is just perfect.

Oh, me too! Usually there’s one version in the pattern that sells it for me, and the others are a bonus but I’ll likely never make them. I wanted to make sure both skirts were equally wearable, and I’m happy to hear that you guys think so too!
So glad you like it – and you’re so fast, I bet you’ll have both versions sewn up in no time!

Oh my gosh! This is amazing!
I’m excited for this one-it seems like it could fit every possible wardrobe need. You could even bike in that gathered skirt! I’m eyeing the sleeve design and wondering if there’s a way to alter it to make it nursing friendly–perhaps instead of sewing the seam, making a little overlapping flap for snaps instead. When I get my hands on this pattern, I’ll let everyone know how that works out.
Congrats on another release for Sewaholic Patterns!

I have good news for you – you can bike in BOTH skirt versions! I’ve been biking in the A-line version without any problems (on my very upright bike) as the skirt is not that snug, there’s plenty of room to pedal and dismount.

That is an interesting idea, making the sleeve part detachable. Because of the way it’s sewn, that’s definitely a possibility! You’ll see in the instructions but the front part of the sleeve is attached near the end, so you could add snaps instead. I’d love to see how it works out if you try it!

Did you design this just for me? Thank you. ;) It is perfect. I have a large bust, small waist and bubble butt. I have been terrible at making patterns that aren’t defined enough-I end up looking like a giant blob. THIS is perfect. Bonus-I’ll be able to wear a regular bra. As luck would have it, I’m having a fabric order arrive today. YAY. Can’t wait for this to come out.

Oh heck. I love both! You may have made the perfect summer dress with the full skirt, and my office wardrobe is probably sorted with the A-line version… A bit of fabric window shopping is in order as I already have two dresses with a deadline for this month, and another that’s been waiting for ages too. But Cambie! Perfect holiday dress…

I looove the bodice with the sweetheart neckline and the straps…. thank you for thinking of us bustier girls! I also love the idea that you can make two very different dresses (a sun dress and a work dress) with the same pattern. Is this a beginner pattern or a pattern for a more intermediate sewer? I am wondering if I will have the sewing chops to pull it up… I am already dreaming of a sun dress in white swiss dot!

It’s closer to intermediate, just because of the lining and the invisible zipper. An adventurous beginner could probably manage, that’s what several pattern testers reported during the testing. I’m putting together a couple of construction posts on some of the tricky steps, that might help over that hill from beginner to intermediate.

Because the patterns are printed, I don’t have the ability to add sizes afterwards even if someone wanted to pay a bit more. Once they’ve been finalized and printed, it’s not possible to print additional patterns without starting over. (I hope this makes sense – they’re printed in large batches all at once, not as the orders come in..)

My heart just started pounding. I’ve actually picked out Lonsdale as my wedding dress in August, but this Cambie dress is so much more my style! The sweetheart neckline, the adorable cap sleeves (and the fact I wouldn’t have to worry about a strapless bra all day), both versions look incredible… this dress is so cute and stylish and is everything I was looking for in a homemade wedding dress!

My big question – do you think the A-line version will work in a Thai silk? I’m wondering if your wool blend is a heavier weight, as the Thai silk will be semi-light weight and I’m already having the silk sent to me from overseas for my wedding dress.

Hello Gem! I’m so pumped to hear you might make this dress as your wedding dress! (I think it takes less fabric than the Lonsdale, too, so that’s a plus..)

I think it would be gorgeous in silk! My wool blend is a lightweight suiting, not heavy at all. If you were concerned about it being too thin and not holding the silhouette properly, you could underline it with something more substantial for more body and to keep the skirt holding the ‘A’ silhouette. Or underline just the skirt. Or wear some sort of slip with body to it, or a ruffle along the bottom (on the inside, so it’s not to fussy) to hold the skirt out.

If you do make it as your wedding dress, please come back and let us know! I’d love to see it!

Thanks so much for the input, Tasia! It’s official – all my bridesmaids and my mom are agreed that Cambie is The Dress. The silk arrived yesterday and it’s gorgeous, so I hope I can do the dress and the silk justice! I will definitely keep in mind your advice re: a heavier lining underneath. I’ll be sure to post some photos of the finished product as seen on the big day!

I’m glad to see this particular comment, as I’ve been stalking this post to see if anyone else is using the Cambie for a wedding dress! I’m using just the bodice with a different skirt for mine, since I wanted a long dress, But I knew as soon as I got engaged that this pattern was “the one”! Gem, I’m going to be hopping over to your blog for certain to see how yours is going!

I JUST started the actual muslin process today (as in, so far I’ve got the bodice traced so I don’t wreck the pattern while trying to do an FBA), but I’m blogging the whole thing. I’ll definitely let you know when I finish!

I purchased my cambie dress pattern from my favorite sewing shop, Sew to Speak (Columbus, OH). I love it, but I’m having trouble with the instructions for the zipper on view B. The instructions just say to sew the zipper into the back seam but the skirt doesn’t have a back seam. The dress is for a performance that my daughter is giving for her college professors. PLEASE HELP!

Oh! And I have more photos of the A-line version planned for Monday (although if you check out the pattern shop I already posted them!) I’ll try to work a back-view shot in there even if it’s not the prettiest photo!

This is a great dress. I’m impressed with the thought you put into the design of this dress. I haven’t had a chance to try your patterns yet, but maybe this will be one. I wonder if I could wear it to my job chasing kids?

This is a wonderful dress on you. I can’t wait to receive my pattern. Your patterns are so easy to follow and the clothes are so practical. You can make them frosting or cake depending on the fabrics and embellishments you choose! Congratulations on another great pattern. I have all but three and I am going to get the Cambrie and the two others I don;t have with your pre-sale!

I’m so excited for Cambie! I’ve been meaning to purchase Lonsdale for awhile, and I’m finally in a place where I feel my skills are ready…..I’ll now be making it a double order!! Let me just say that I LOVE that I won’t have to grade between sizes, as hips are already accommodated in your sizing :)

And I also like that I can support a small independent company (and a fellow Canadian at that!)……well done!!!!!

This is the pattern I’ve been waiting for! I love that the full version requires only 3 1/4″ just like Simplicity 3965, which I no longer need to find. I also like that I can sew a version for myself & daughters all from the same pattern. I pinned the dress to Pinterest and I’m getting
“pinned” like crazy. Cambie looks to be a huge hit! Congrats

I love this dress so much I had to send you an email right after seeing it in the newsletter (which you kindly responded to!). I think I’m going to have to break my no-pattern policy I’ve got going this year, would love to sew up this pattern for a summer work event. Also, my office is casual enough I could wear the full-skirt version there as well, yay!

I’m looking forward to making this one – your patterns are always so wearable! I couldn’t believe it when I saw your Swiss dot fabric as I’ve just bought a Swiss dot in a nice beigey colour. I was going to use it for a Lonsdale but I think I’ll wait for this one to come out. I’m actually working on my Lonsdale at the moment and I’m loving it!

As I already wrote with the other post: An absolute MUST-HAVE! It’s soo cute and will really be great for summer. Just digged through my stash for the perfect fabric… ;-) You are so talented, Tasia!! Thanks a lot!

Since I received the mail announcing the new pattern, I have been waiting for the release. I love this pattern: it has everything I like best in a dress. It’s flirty, girly, classic, fun…PERFECT!
Congratulation Tasia!

Ummm, I’m sure you don’t remember me mentioning this months ago. . . but I’m still in the middle of wedding dress muslins, and am SERIOUSLY reconsidering and making this dress THE DRESS. I am ready for you to start selling it now. . . please?

I do remember! You pointed me towards A Practical Wedding which was wonderful reading for someone who doesn’t want a huge princess-for-the-day affair, and lots of intelligent discussions about marriage in general, so thank you!

I am seriously flattered that you’re considering the Cambie dress as THE dress! Patterns are on track to be ready May 20th, and pre-orders will start shipping as soon as they’re ready so there’s a chance they’ll be early. I’m so glad you like it! :)

When I was on a trip to Italy last summer, I bought some special fabric that I’ve been saving for the perfect dress. I think this might be the dress! I just ordered some cotton voile to use as the lining!

I love the neckline! And I like that you can wear a regular bra, and that there are two skirt options.

I’m smitten! I keep asking myself how I’ve gone through life without this dress. The A-line version is my favourite but I’m seriously going to look at the full-skirt version – it would be lovely for a sunny Christmas day lunch. And Swiss dot – arrgh! I must find some!

I’m so excited about this – I’m new to sewing and have been dreading learning all the adjustments a fitted bodice would require with a standard pattern, and my measurements fit your patterns exactly, plus I love an a-line skirt. Preorder here I come! I know it’s a lot of work, but it would be WONDERFUL if you did a sew-a-long or perhaps if someone else would coordinate one. The flower print dress is SO CUTE and I love the idea of a wool dress for work.

It is absolutely beautiful – I think it is my favourite sewaholic pattern so far! I love how you made it a totally practical summer dress, but still it looks so breezy and cool. The neckline and cap sleeves are brilliant. Also perfect for pears! Now I have broader shoulders and narrower hips, the full skirt might work for me but I am not sure how flattering the shoulder line would be for me, which is a shame, because i am absolutely in love with your dress.

YAY the dress is out! I am so glad I had the opportunity to test for this – It converted me completely to your patterns! And they fit SO well – not a single adjustment. I’ve still got the plans to make the full skirt version but I shall wait now til I get your pattern in the mail.
It truly is versatile and is one of my most comfortable and favourite work dresses now. I want to make it in a brighter colour too.
I’ll post pics of my dress next week and I’ll send you the ones of it on me when it’s done too. I know I’ve been promising it for ages!!

Oh, I love it! And I guess it’s a good thing I have to do an FBA anyways, as my measurements are almost exactly those of the final garment. Haha. It will take some fiddling, but I will have to make this dress this summer!

I Adooore cap sleeves!!! I am extra excited for the A-line version. I always love the look of full skirts in pictures but never actually feel comfortable in them. I love sewing gathers though- maybe i’ll save them for a second version :)

A beautiful new pattern! I love the sweetheart neckline paired with the little cap sleeves, and both your skirt options look lovely. And pockets! :D I will have to keep a look out for red swiss dot cotton, that dress looks gorgeous!

I just got the email about the pattern presale and already placed my order! I’m sure you’ll see a huge number of orders for this fantastic dress. Personally, I can’t wait to hear more about the purple a-line version. Excellent work, Tasia!

I just pre-ordered the pattern after seeing both versions demonstrated on Scruffy Badger’s blog. It’s a fabulous dress in both styles and I can’t wait to make it. I also have your Renfrew and Crescent patterns, and I think you are a very talented lady with terrific style.

Yey, just used the code you e-mailed me to top up my Sewaholic collection, thanks for that Tasia! I had the Pendrell a while ago, then bought the rest during your birthday offer, so it only seemed right that I keep the collection up to date! Since I am having the patterns shipped to the UK that offer is great! I am really looking forward to this one for summer!

I don’t have to worry about whether something is office-appropriate but I’m sure there are millions of women out there squealing with happiness right now at this beauty :) Looks like you’re doing so well with your pattern business, congrats!

I just finished making the dress and while I love it, there is a small fit problem that I don’t know how to fix. There is extra material in the upper back that poofs out. The darts in front are perfect and lie flat. The curve in the hip is perfect straight from the pattern (a first for me). Would I be able to just take in the darts along the back of the bodice? Or do I have to take the dress apart to make the adjustments?

Just discovered the new pattern! A little bit later then the rest of the world, I know… But this dress is really a beauty!!! I really want to try this out, maybe as a woollen dress for cold autumn days.

Hi Tasia, I love the look of this pattern! I bought it a couple months ago and I’ve just started cutting out my fabric for view B and I’m a little confused. I’ve searched around to see if anyone else had my question so as not to duplicate anything, but I guess I’m the only one missing the picture!

In the instructions for cutting 44″ wide fabric, I saw that pieces 3 & 8 are laid out differently on the fabric and it looks like the grainlines on the pattern pieces are laid out perpendicular to the fold/selvedge. Is that how I should lay them out? (I saw on the pattern notes that the grainline on the pattern pieces should be parallel to the fold)

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[…] I am so excited that Tasia is releasing this pattern in May. I can’t wait to order and sew it up. Hopefully I’ll have my other Colette projects done so I’m not behind. I have some fabric arriving today and it will be perfect for this dress. Look how beautiful the Cambie is. […]

[…] I have been so lucky. I was fortunate enough to be selected as one of Tasia’s testers for the new Sewaholic Cambie Dress. I became mega excited when I received details & designs. You may have already seen there […]

[…] time to post about it. The Cambie is the dress that got me interested in sewing again. When I saw Tasia’s red eyelet version of the dress, and all of the super-clear tutorials she has at Sewaholic, I just knew I had to give […]

[…] Will do this in the next few days. I am also in the throws of starting another project – The Cambie Dress. This is a pattern from Tasia of Sewaholic. Tasia makes patterns especially for us pear shaped […]